Experiencing The Power And Love Of Jesus In Our Own Lives

2 Sam. 15:13-14, 30, 16:4-13 & Mk. 5:l-20

Absalom was a son of King David who had murdered Amnon, his half-brother and David's eldest son. David imposed on him a punishment which was mild in comparison: he was sent into exile for two years and then banished from court. In retaliation Absalom was determined to kill his own father and seize the throne for himself. David fled in fear.

When confronted by Shimei of the house of Saul, David accepted his threats and insults because he was aware of his own sins. It is interesting that David should take flight to the Mount of Olives where Jesus was to endure His agony.

David and Jesus are similar in that they both had to suffer from their own people. But they are completely unlike in that David was a sinner and Jesus was sinless. It was out of a sense of justice that David was willing to accept his affliction, but it was out of pure love that Jesus endured His passion.

In today’s Gospel we see Jesus and His men had barely disembarked when a man came possessed with many devils. They recognized Jesus as the Son of God and His power to drive them out of this man. They pleaded with Jesus to be sent into the herd of swine. This He did and the swine rushed over the cliff and drowned in the sea.

The swineherdsmen were furious. They ran and brought the news to the townspeople who witnessed the possessed man in his full senses. They were afraid and asked Jesus to leave their town. Was it because they had lost their swine or because they were afraid this divine messenger would disturb or confront them?

The cured man was so pleased to be free from the legion of devils and wanted to follow Him. Instead Jesus gave him a mission to tell his people about the mercy God had shown him. We experience God’s mercy to us every time we are absolved, during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, of our sins. Does our thanksgiving cause us to proclaim the power and love of Jesus in our lives?

Lord Jesus, You have set us free from our vices and demons, and we thank You for Your mercy to us. We resolve to try and be true witnesses to Your great love among our family and friends.